Aberdare national park

Aberdare National Park, located in the central highlands of Kenya, offers a unique blend of rich history, stunning landscapes, and diverse wildlife, making it an ideal destination for couples seeking adventure and romance.

Overview

Established in 1959, Aberdare National Park spans 767 square kilometers (767 km²) within the Aberdare Mountain ranges, east of the East African Rift Valley. This park is historically significant as the place where Princess Elizabeth became Queen in 1952 while staying at Treetops Lodge. It also served as a hideout for Mau Mau rebels during Kenya’s struggle for independence.

Attractions

Wildlife

Aberdare National Park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including:

• The Big Five: African elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and lions.
• Endangered Black Rhinos: The park harbors the second-largest population of these magnificent creatures.
• Other species such as reedbucks, olive baboons, black and white colobus monkeys, hyenas, warthogs, giant forest hogs, bushbucks, red duikers, sunis, reedbucks, and elands.

Birdlife

A birdwatcher’s paradise, the park is home to over 250 bird species, including the Aberdare cisticola, Abyssinian crimsonwing, African goshawk, African green pigeon, African paradise flycatcher, bar-tailed trogon, bronzy sunbird, and crowned eagle.

Aberdare Range

Named after Lord Aberdare, this isolated volcanic range forms the eastern wall of the Rift Valley, making it an excellent hiking site with elevations up to 4,000 meters above sea level. Key peaks include Mount Sabrina, Mount Kinangop, Table Mountain, and Martini.

Cultural Significance

The park is surrounded by the Kikuyu community, who revere the Aberdare ranges as the home of their gods, “Ngai.” The ranges also served as a refuge during the Mau Mau rebellion led by Dedan Kimathi.

Activities

Game Drives

Experience the park’s wildlife through game drives available in three sessions:

• Morning Drive (6:30 am – 10:30 am): Witness animals starting their day.
• Evening Drive (2:00 pm – 6:00 pm): See animals along water banks.
• Night Drive (6:30 pm – 8:00 pm): Spot nocturnal animals like bush babies, leopards, and lions.

Bird Watching

With over 300 bird species, including 27 endemic to the Albertine region, Aberdare National Park is perfect for bird enthusiasts.

Cultural Encounters

Engage with the local Kikuyu community through activities such as traditional dances, banana beer production, bow and target shooting, maize grinding, and traditional medicine making.

Landscape Exploration

Explore the park’s diverse landscapes, from mountainous peaks and dense forests to lush grasslands, rivers, streams, and magnificent waterfalls.

Trout Fishing

Fish in the cold rivers beneath waterfalls, such as the Guru, Karuru, or Chaina rivers, or other fishing locations within the park.

Best Time to Visit

The park is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during the drier months of June to August and December to January, when the forests are less muddy and easier to navigate.

Getting There

By Road

Visitors can drive from Naivasha or Nairobi to the park gates, including Mutubio Gate, or use the Nyahururu road via Nyeri town to the park headquarters. The drive offers scenic views of Mount Kenya.

By Air

Alternatively, fly to Mweiga Airstrip from either Jomo Kenyatta International Airport or Wilson Airport. Mweiga Airstrip is the closest to the park headquarters and the Sasin Estate farm along the Nyeri-Nyahururu road.

Accommodations

Accommodations range from luxury lodges to budget options, with camping facilities near the park reception center. Some notable accommodations include:

• Treetops Lodge
• The Ark Lodge
• Aberdare Country Club
• Outspan Hotel
• Kicha Kani Paradise

Tips for Couples

1. Plan for Romantic Activities: Enjoy private game drives, bush dinners, and spa treatments.
2. Capture Memories: Bring a good camera and binoculars to capture wildlife and stunning landscapes.
3. Stay Comfortable: Pack neutral-colored, lightweight layers for varying temperatures and sturdy footwear for walking safaris.
4. Stay Safe: Follow all safety guidelines, get necessary vaccinations, and consider travel insurance.

Aberdare National Park offers a unique blend of adventure, romance, and cultural immersion, making it a perfect destination for couples.